Municipality issues reminder on election signs

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is reminding candidates and residents about the rules for placing election campaign signs near roadways. Candidates are allowed to place campaign signs on some municipal property. All signs must follow the municipality's election sign bylaw. 'Municipal staff are monitoring sign placement and responding to concerns reported by the public,' stated a release. 'When a sign is found in the wrong location, staff contact the candidate to explain the issue and ask that it be corrected. Signs will be removed if they are not brought into compliance with the bylaw. 'The rules are in place to help keep roads and sidewalks safe, make sure drivers and pedestrians can see clearly, protect municipal property and ensure the same rules apply to all candidates.' All candidates have been informed that during the campaign period, signs can be placed on the boulevard between a sidewalk and private property, as long as the sign is at least four metres (about 13 feet) from the road or a driveway, and the adjoining property owner has given permission. Signs cannot be placed between sidewalks and the road (called the outer boulevard under the bylaw). Signs also cannot be placed near intersections or other locations as this could block a driver's or pedestrian's view. There are other sign restrictions within the bylaw, but these rules regarding signs close to the road are resulting in concerns and will require enforcement action if candidates do not address these, the release added. Candidates must review the election campaign sign bylaw and make sure campaign staff and volunteers understand the rules before putting up signs. Residents who have concerns about the location of an election sign are asked to report them through the municipality's customer service team. Concerns can be reported by calling 311, emailing ck311@chatham-kent.ca or using the municipality's online service request system.